Swallowing an aluminum can tab presents health risks due to its metallic composition and irregular shape. Though designed to remain attached, these “stay-tabs” can detach and be accidentally ingested. Their sharp edges and rigid structure are not designed to pass through the delicate digestive system without potential harm.
Immediate Response and Symptoms
Immediately monitor for any physical symptoms that may appear. These can include difficulty swallowing, a sensation of something being lodged in the throat, coughing, or choking, which may indicate an airway obstruction. Other signs to observe are drooling, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort. If any of these symptoms, particularly those affecting breathing or swallowing, are present, immediate emergency medical attention is necessary.
Contact a healthcare professional or visit an emergency room without delay, especially if the ingestion occurred recently. Do not attempt to induce vomiting or administer laxatives unless specifically instructed by a medical professional. The presence and severity of symptoms will guide the urgency of medical evaluation, as the tab’s location and potential for injury can vary significantly.
Medical Assessment and Management
Once an individual arrives at a healthcare facility, medical professionals will undertake a thorough assessment. Diagnostic imaging typically begins with X-rays of the neck, chest, and abdomen to locate the tab. However, aluminum, the primary material of most can tabs, is less radio-dense and often difficult to visualize on standard X-rays; studies indicate that only about 21% of swallowed tabs are visible, usually when located in the stomach. If X-rays are inconclusive but suspicion of ingestion remains high, a CT scan may be utilized, offering higher sensitivity for detecting the tab’s location and any associated complications. Handheld metal detectors can also be employed as a more sensitive tool for identifying the presence of aluminum tabs.
Management of a swallowed can tab depends on several factors, including the patient’s symptoms, age, and the tab’s location and orientation. If the patient is asymptomatic and the tab is believed to be small and safely past the esophagus, observation for natural passage through the digestive tract may be recommended. Most ingested foreign bodies, including sharp ones, pass without complication once they clear the esophagus, with 80-90% passing spontaneously.
If the tab is lodged, causing symptoms, or its sharp edges pose a risk, endoscopic removal is often performed. This procedure involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera and tools to retrieve the object. Surgical intervention is rarely required, occurring in less than 1% of cases.
Potential Complications and Prevention
While many swallowed objects pass without incident, an aluminum can tab carries specific risks. As the tab travels through the digestive tract, it can cause lacerations to the delicate lining of the esophagus, stomach, or intestines. In more severe instances, it can lead to perforation, a serious condition requiring immediate medical intervention. The tab may also become lodged, causing an obstruction that can result in significant pain, vomiting, and an inability to pass stool or gas. Beyond direct injury, the constant irritation from the tab can lead to inflammation or bleeding.
Complications can extend to more severe conditions, such as esophageal stenosis or the formation of a tracheoesophageal fistula. To minimize the risk of accidental ingestion, safely discard can tabs rather than dropping them into the can. While “stay-tabs” were designed to prevent accidental ingestion, they can still detach, highlighting the ongoing need for caution, especially around children.